Ethiopia, alongside Norway and the United Kingdom, has committed US$240 million to support the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations’ (CEPI) ambitious five-year plan.
Announced during a high-profile side event at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), the funding initiative underpins CEPI 3.0—a comprehensive 2027–2031 strategy designed to fundamentally transform the world’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to catastrophic epidemic and pandemic threats.
Under this joint financial commitment, Ethiopia has reaffirmed its dedication to continuous financial support for CEPI. Norway has pledged US106 million (NOK 1 billion), and the United Kingdom has contributed up to US134 million (£100 million). This pivotal injection of capital arrives just ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, where global leaders are convening to shape actionable declarations that safeguard humanity against emerging health emergencies.
Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, commended the nations for their vital foresight. He noted that while modern science allows researchers to design vaccines against novel viral threats in a fraction of historical timelines, maintaining this readiness relies entirely on steady investment and shared international responsibility.
The urgency of this proactive approach is starkly highlighted by current health crises, such as the ongoing Bundibugyo ebolavirus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Addressing this reality, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Mekdes Daba, emphasized that health security is a collective responsibility, declaring that an outbreak anywhere is a threat everywhere. She highlighted that Ethiopia’s backing of CEPI 3.0 reflects a broader African resolve to bolster local research, manufacturing, and regulatory capacities so that life-saving innovations are increasingly developed within Africa.
As infectious disease outbreaks rise in frequency and economic impact—with potential global losses averaging over 700 billion annually—CEPI is seeking a total investment of US2.5 billion to fully execute CEPI 3.0.